But, forgetting all danger, he persisted in his errand.
A great event was about to occur, and he intended to see it.
There were soldiers everywhere.

The streets blazed with uniforms, but the people were allowed to gather about the Capitol and many also entered.

A friendly sentinel passed Harry, who stood for a few moments in the rotunda.

He was careful to keep near other spectators, in order that he might not attract attention to himself.
All things that he saw cut sharply into his sensitive and eager mind.
It was in truth an extraordinary situation for one who had come as he had come, and he waited, calm of face, but with every pulse beating.
The comments of the other spectators told him who the famous men were as they entered.

Here were Cameron and Wade of the lowering brows.
There passed Taney, the venerable Chief Justice, and then dry and quiet Hamlin, the Vice-President, on his way to preside over the Senate, went by.